Matthew Gabriel

Matthew Gabriele, a professor and co-author of "Oathbreakers," and David M. Perry, also co-author of the same work, delve into the tumultuous legacy of the Carolingians. They discuss the brutal Battle of Fontenoy in 841 AD, pitting Charlemagne’s grandsons against each other. The conversation explores the fragile power dynamics, the church's role in the conflict, and how these medieval struggles shaped modern European identities. Their insights reveal the complicated aftermath of a fractured empire.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Matthew Gabriele, co-author of 'Oathbreakers,' joins historian David Musgrove to shed light on the Carolingian Empire's pivotal role in shaping medieval Europe. They delve into the complex legacy of rulers like Charles Martel and Charlemagne, exploring the nuanced reality of the Carolingian Renaissance. The conversation also tackles the reinterpreted Battle of Tours and the fascinating political alliance between Charlemagne and the Islamic Caliph Harun al-Rashid, showcasing the empire's rich history and cultural impact.

Matthew Gabriel, a historian specializing in the Carolingian Empire and co-author of "Oathbreakers," joins to unravel the chaotic aftermath of Charlemagne's reign. He discusses the power struggles among Louis's sons and the violent succession disputes that defined the Carolingian Civil War. Insights into the Treaty of Verdun reveal how these conflicts led to the fragmentation of the once-mighty empire. Gabriel also reflects on how narratives were crafted to stabilize the tumultuous history, showcasing the complexities of this pivotal period in medieval Europe.